BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

09/07/2007

Belarusian President Calls For Reduced Energy Reliance On Russia

President Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on July 3 and 4 that overcoming Belarus's reliance on Russia for energy supplies is a top priority, Belapan reported on July 4. "We depend only on one country," Lukashenka said. "We are forced to look for our happiness to the end of the world and negotiate with others about the production of oil and other hydrocarbons and resources that our economy needs so much." Lukashenka said efficient manufacturing processes, innovation, thrift, and the construction of a nuclear power plant will help the country ensure its energy security. Lukashenka also denied rumors that he intends to cut spending on social programs in the wake of the Russian-Belarusian dispute that ended with Russia raising the price of gas supplied to Belarus. Lukashenka added, "We have already lived for half a year [after the dispute]...and we have not cut down anything." AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/07/3-cee/cee-090707.asp